Bridgewater State University backpack had beer, not bomb

Bridgewater State University is all clear of danger after a suspicious package was reported near Harrington Hall.

By Erin Shannon

The Enterprise, Brockton, MA

By Erin Shannon

Posted Apr. 20, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 20, 2013 at 8:03 PM

By Erin Shannon

Posted Apr. 20, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 20, 2013 at 8:03 PM

BRIDGEWATER

» Social News

While a massive manhunt was under way for a suspect in the Boston Marathon bombings,

Bridgewater State University had a bomb scare that turned out to be a backpack full of beer.

A suspicious package was reported under a car in the Harrington Hall parking lot at Bridgewater State University on Friday morning, according to the school.

The car was not registered to a student or staff member at the school so it was reported as suspicious to police, said Eva Gaffney, a school spokeswoman.

As a precautionary measure, Harrington Hall was evacuated while classes were in session as was Woodward Hall, which is a 250-bed dormitory for first-year students, said Gaffney.

A Navy bomb squad reported to the school. As a bomb robot was approaching the car to inspect the package, a freshman student retrieved the bag, which was full of beer, from under the car belonging to his girlfriend, said Gaffney.

That student was placed under arrest on a charge of underage possession of alcohol.

The scene was cleared by 11:15 a.m.

Gaffney said the school this week is celebrating SpringFest, which includes many events and parties for the end of the school year.